CraftyRN, just wanted to mention that I am a big fan of Best Press and have used it exclusively since I started making quilts 6 years ago. But, recently, I was making blocks using 1 1/2 inch squares, resulting in a 3 1/2 inch blocks and I was really struggling with them. That small, the tiniest variation throws everything off and I needed to make lots of them! Finally decided to try "starching the snot out of them" as I have seen recommended here:) I used Faultless Heavy Spray starch and found the "stiff as card stock" result! and it works. Spayed the fabric before cutting and then sprayed again while pressing those cute little 1 1/2 squares. The resulting squares were so accurate, I loved it! I spray the fabric and then wait a few seconds for it to soak in before pressing. I have not tried the method for HST that you are learning but I think the "severe" starching will help anything.

Starch before you even cut into the fabric. Meaning, when it's still yardage. You don't have to starch the entire thing at once, just starch what you think you're going to use in the next week or so.

what if you started with a square that was cut on the bias (diagonal)?

Starch or not starch, bias is NOT a quilter's friend. I still will continue to do it the old fashion way that Kitsie outlined in her drawings. With stitching on the diagonal line, you don't have any bias edges.

Cutting the square on the diagonal is what I thought of, too. Seems to me that would be the easiest solution.

Cutting the square on the diagonal after the triangles are sewn would work to keep the bias stable. But cutting them before sewing would not eliminate handling and sewing a bias edge.

I use the magic 8 method and don't get as many bias edges. Still, starch is your friend!
http://chezstitches.blogspot.com/201...revisited.html

I have found the best solution for 1/4 and 1/2 square triangles, yes this does work, print I bought a program where you can print out several different sizes of the quarter or half square triangles then place on 2 pieces of fabric & cut with rotary cutter and you have perfect 1/2 or 1/4 square triangles. I have never and I mean never been able to make them come out before and now they sew the correct size every time. Go to Quiltpro.com and check it out ,the program is Great! My mom and I discovered that newsprint paper also works the best for removing the paper after your stitching and it will go through either her printer as well as mine, also it's pretty cheap.

I am of the camp that has hard time making HSTs with bias outside edges. I have done the biased version stiff as a board but really hate having to work with them. When I see a pattern with the bias outside edges, I either use the "magic 8" (I think Eleanor Burns showed that technique many years ago "cause I have used it for a very long time) -- Kitsie has the techniques that work in her diagrams.

There is also a technique that allows you to make a lot at once (similar to Thangles but without the paper). I don't have the printed directions, but plot it on paper before I do it on cloth.

I have finished making 6 of the 12 blocks of the November Craftsy quilt. I starched my fabric using 2/3 Sta Flo to 1/3 water. This made my fabric stiff. I have had no problem with the bias edges. I am enjoying making this quilt.